Jake Kasdan’s Red One is not your average holiday flick. With Dwayne Johnson and J.K. Simmons leading a star-studded cast, the film dives deep into centuries-old folklore to bring two of the most fearsome figures from Christmas mythology to life: Grýla and Krampus. But Kasdan has a twist in store for these legendary baddies, presenting them in ways no one expected.

Grýla: The Christmas Ogre with a Taste for Children

In Icelandic folklore, Grýla is a monstrous witch who kidnaps naughty children, cooking them into a gruesome stew. With her 13 sons, the Yule Lads, she roams the countryside, bringing fear to the hearts of kids who misbehave. Red One reimagines Grýla as a shape-shifting, youthful woman (played by Kiernan Shipka) hiding her true ogre nature. Her twisted plan to use Santa’s magic to trap the world’s naughty children in enchanted snow globes may sound quirky, but it’s chilling when you realize the true terror lurking behind her innocent appearance.

Krampus: Santa’s Devilish Brother with a Dark Past

Krampus, the horned, goat-like demon, has been a part of European Christmas folklore for centuries. Known for punishing the wicked while Santa rewards the good, Krampus’ origins trace back to pagan traditions and the Norse god Hel. In Red One, Krampus (played by Kristofer Hivju) is Santa’s estranged brother, a character with a fractured relationship with Old Saint Nick. Though initially working with Grýla, Krampus has a redemptive arc, putting his differences aside to help rescue Santa and defeat the witch once and for all.

Red One blends humor with dark folklore, turning traditional Christmas legends into something fresh and terrifying. With these two mythical villains wreaking havoc, the holiday season will never be the same.